Host (*NO HOUSING AVAILABLE)

Job Description

Job Description

The Hedges East Hampton reopens with renewed spirit and all the charm that has made it a village favorite since 1873. Perfectly positioned with one foot on Main Beach and one foot on Main Street, our 13-room inn leans into its character sun drenched rooms, creaky floorboards, and stories in every corner-while quietly raising the bar for hospitality in the Hamptons. Be a part of the only full-service luxury destination of its kind in East Hampton.

The Hedges East Hampton is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Work Place.

JOB OVERVIEW:

Present a positive first impression of the restaurant’s friendliness, excellent service and high standards. Effectively coordinate and control the flow of guests by greeting, seating, and acknowledging departures of guests in a gracious and professional manner while in accordance with the hotel’s standards of quality. This role must strive to provide anticipatory service at all times. Practice social distancing, observe mask mandates and maintain handwashing routine as ordered by the CDC, Palm Beach County, and the State of Florida.

ESSENTIALS JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Create an exceptional experience at the host stand and waiting areas. Deliver a positive first impression of the restaurant.

• Consistently provide friendly, engaging and anticipatory guest service and heartfelt hospitality.
• Review the reservation list and coordinate with Managers to anticipate guest flow, peak times, and requirements associated with special events.
• Complete opening, and closing duties in a timely manner following established standards and procedures.
• Assist the Manager in planning reservations and assigning parties to appropriate sections and/or servers.
• Review guest notes in RESY before each shift to facilitate anticipatory service at all times. Communicate important information to managers and servers.
• Acknowledge and greet arriving guests; invite departing guests to return.
• Identify and acknowledge repeat guests.
• Use the guest’s name at every opportunity.
• Escort guests to assigned table; present menus.

• Ensure knowledge of menu, specials and promotions.
• Seat guests appropriately. Control the flow of business with rotation seating, anticipating table turns and following the reservation and seating plan.
• Observe tables and keep track of clean, dirty, and occupied tables.
• Communicate with servers to ensure a smooth transition of tables and even distribution of guests throughout the restaurant.
• Accurately quote wait times to guests and correctly maintain the waitlist.
• Communicate with manager if wait times are running over-quoted times to guests.
• Maintain the safety, cleanliness, and organization of the host stand.
• Respond to guest inquiries and requests.
• Collaborate with team members to communicate any special needs or guest requests.
• Maintain all menus, ensuring menus are free of debris, stain, or tear.
• Maintain children and guest supplies.
• Communicate information regarding guest complaints and/or ideas to Managers immediately.
• Support team members by assisting with server, busser or runner duties as needed.
• Go above and beyond and take initiative to resolve guest complaints and create loyalty.
• Maintains high standard of personal appearance and grooming; comply with dress code.
• Maintain the highest level of standards of quality of products and service at all times.
• Clean and sanitize assigned host areas thoroughly before and after shift end.
• Adhere to local and government compliance with health and safety regulations to ensure a clean and safe work environment for guests and employees.
• Maintain knowledge of all safety and emergency procedures and is aware of accident prevention policies.
• Follow outlet policies, procedures, and service standards.
• Maintain a professional courteous manner with all guests and fellow employees.
• Perform any other duties as requested by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to input and access data in a reservations system.
• Ability to promote positive relations with all guests.
• Ability to think clearly, quickly, maintain concentration and make concise decisions.
• Ability to learn and remember guests’ names and preferences.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instruction.
• Ability to maintain hotel's standards, policies and procedures.
• Ability to work in a restaurant environment.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance, be consistently on time, and observe work, break and meal periods in compliance with standards.
• Ability to perform job functions with attention to detail, speed and accuracy.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Ability to work cohesively with other departments and co-workers as part of a team.
• Ability to work in a high pace environment.
• Prolonged periods of standing and walking. Frequently pulling, pushing, and bending.
• Exposure to outdoor environment factors.
• Ability to use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach and carry with hands and arms.
• Able to grasp, lift and/or carry, or otherwise, move goods weighing a maximum of 30 lbs. following appropriate safety procedures.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1 year of hosting experience in a fine dining/upscale restaurant/hotel.
• Excellent guest service skills and a passion for hospitality.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English.
• Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully with guests and co-workers.
• Ability to compute basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Strong team-work orientation, well organized, ability to follow instructions.
• Detail-oriented and thorough.
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to perform consistent work to the hotel’s high standards.
• Must be able to work weekends and holidays as needed.
• Ability to maintain personal hygiene.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently.
• Ability to focus attention on guest needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times.
• Previous experience with RESY
• Previous luxury guest service/Forbes training.